The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

Veda was taken aback by the way Daniel referred to Emily. She wiped the tears from her eyes and stood up, looking at Daniel with a clear expression.

Daniel seemed to understand what Veda wanted to ask.

He hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I know she doesn't have feelings for me. I'll try to move on."

Veda was too exhausted to care about all the romantic drama.

Her gaze dropped, and she noticed a pack of cigarettes almost falling out of Daniel's pocket. She blinked and reached out her hand, signaling for him to give her one.

The New Year was approaching.

People in Emerald City were busy every day, caught up in the hustle and bustle.

But in the homes of the city's elite, chaos reigned, like a never-ending drama. Once Veda understood this, she couldn't help but laugh.

Smoke swirled in front of Daniel's eyes. The cold wind blew, clearing his mind, and he looked over at Veda.

Veda's way of smoking was practiced, as if she had done it many times before.

Of course, Daniel knew Veda smoked; otherwise, he wouldn't have offered her a cigarette.

"Can you tell me now what's going on?" he asked.

When it came to her family's mess, Veda didn't even know where to start. She felt deeply embarrassed, and the thought of it made her nose tingle and tears well up again.

But she eventually told Daniel everything.

Daniel was shocked and taken aback. What surprised him even more was that his first reaction was to worry about Veda, not Emily.

After all, it was Veda's mother who had caused the trouble.

Mason had announced that Veda's mother would be leaving the country immediately, which naturally upset Veda more.

"Veda, are you okay?"

Veda gave a faint smile. She exhaled smoke, feeling like her old, carefree self again.

Veda didn't bother pretending in front of Daniel anymore. After years of both secret and open affection, she was done with it. If Daniel didn't like her, what could she do? She hadn't expected Daniel to ask if she was okay.

Maybe it was just a polite gesture.

Veda politely shook her head in response, but she was caught off guard when Daniel spoke again.

"How could you be okay? Veda,if there's anything you need to talk about, just tell me. I'll be off work soon, and I can take you home.

"Or if you want to take a break, I can help you get a plane ticket to travel. Don't worry, I can inform your brother after you leave, and they won't bother you anymore. Veda, you can do whatever you want. Right now, you need to take care of yourself."

Veda was touched by Daniel's words, just like the first time he had shown concern for her. She had fallen for him then, and those feelings had lasted for years.

But Daniel had always avoided her, never willing to talk to her.

Veda had accepted that.

Yet, just when she was ready to give up, Daniel showed this concern.

Veda was surprised, but her face remained calm.

She knew Daniel's concern was genuine, but it might also be out of pity. Pity for what? Pity that she no longer had her mother's care? Or pity that she didn't have his love?

Veda's pride and self-respect wouldn't let her show her vulnerability easily.

She took a deep drag on her cigarette, exhaled slowly, and then replied calmly, "Thanks, Daniel, but I'm really fine. I don't need to run away; I need to face it.

"I know what I have to go through. Whether it's traveling or running away, it's just me being irresponsible to myself. I need to face my responsibilities to Smith Corporation and the Smith family, face the fact that I'm Veda Smith. But thank you, thank you for thinking of me and offering your help."

Daniel looked at Veda, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

Veda's response carried a hint of coldness and distance. He knew her personality well; she appeared strong and independent and was the least willing to rely on anyone.

But he also knew that Veda's inner pain and struggle were far greater than what she showed on the surface.

So, if he had once felt sympathy and a protective urge for Emily, what did he feel for Veda now?

Was it compassion? Or understanding?

Daniel was silent for a moment, then responded firmly, "Veda, you don't have to bear everything alone. Whatever you decide to do, I'll support you. If you need help, I'm always here."

Veda felt a ripple in her heart.

She could tell that Daniel's words were not empty comfort but genuine support and understanding. She finally put down her cigarette, stubbed it out on the stone ledge beside her, and then looked directly into Daniel's eyes, speaking softly, "Thank you, Daniel. Your words mean a lot to me."

At that moment, Veda felt the distance between them had closed a little.

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Even though she still had many unresolved issues, like Daniel's feelings for Emily, Emily's feelings for Daniel and Michael, and her own feelings... at least she knew that she was not alone.

At the very least, she had... Daniel as a good friend.

Yes, just a good friend. Veda no longer hoped for anything more with Daniel. The idea of romance didn't move her anymore.

And Daniel, too, knew exactly what he was doing. He was more determined than ever to help Veda out of her predicament, and this determination had nothing to do with Emily.

Meanwhile, Roger stumbled back to the Ward Villa, drunk.noveldrama

He was surprised to find the house brightly lit, with servants lined up at the door. He didn't know what was going on, but he was in too good a mood to care. He just laughed at them.

"Hey, what are you all doing? I'm talking to you! Didn't you hear me?

"I warn you, don't make me angry! Look at Smith Corporation! Michael pretended to

fight me for so long, but in the end, he lost!

"Smith Corporation is about to go down, it's about to..."

Roger barged into the house with brute force.

But he was stunned to see a room full of people, especially his father, Leo Ward, sitting

in the main seat of the living room, with Alice and Luna looking grim. The atmosphere was tense.

"Dad?"

Roger was very surprised. Leo had returned without notifying him.

Leo hadn't been back to Emerald City since he left at thirty. Why now?

Roger didn't know what to think, so he staggered forward, ready to ask for an explanation.